What side effects occur with radiation therapy to the head and neck region?
Some patients who are having radiation to the head and neck have redness and irritation in the mouth, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, changes in taste, or nausea. Try not to let these symptoms keep you from eating during treatment. Other problems that may occur during treatment include the loss of your sense of taste, earaches, and swelling or drooping of the skin under the chin. There may be changes in your skin texture. You also may notice that your jaw feels stiff and that it is more difficult to open your mouth widely. Jaw exercises may help this problem. Remember to report all side effects to your Radiation Oncologist and Nurse and ask what you should do about them. If you are receiving radiation therapy to the head or neck, you need to take especially good care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. Side effects from treatment to these areas most often involve the mouth, which may be sore and dry.
